Key Differences Between AWS Cloud Practitioner and Architecting on AWS

As organizations increasingly migrate to the cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS) remains a dominant player in the market. With its wide range of certifications and training paths, choosing the right starting point can be confusing. Two of the most popular courses are AWS Cloud Practitioner Training and Architecting on AWS. While both serve different purposes, they are critical in building cloud proficiency depending on your career goals. Let’s break down the key differences between them.

What Is AWS Cloud Practitioner Training?

AWS Cloud Practitioner Training is designed for beginners and non-technical professionals who want a foundational understanding of AWS cloud concepts. It’s ideal for roles like project managers, sales, marketing, or finance professionals involved in cloud-based projects.

Key Features:

• No technical background required.
• Covers basic AWS services, cloud computing concepts, pricing models, and security.
• Prepares for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam.
• Great for those exploring cloud computing for the first time.

What Is Architecting on AWS?

Architecting on AWS is a more advanced course tailored for IT professionals, developers, and system architects who want to design and deploy scalable systems on AWS infrastructure.

Key Features:

• Focuses on building and optimizing AWS solutions.
• Requires prior knowledge of cloud computing and basic AWS services.
• Prepares participants for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam.
• Includes hands-on labs, use cases, and architecture best practices.

AWS Cloud Practitioner Training vs. Architecting on AWS

Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re just starting out or belong to a non-technical domain, AWS Cloud Practitioner Training is the perfect entry point. On the other hand, if you aim to design cloud applications and infrastructure, then Architecting on AWS is the logical next step.

Many professionals use the cloud practitioner course as a stepping stone before progressing to architect-level certifications. Both certifications add immense value and are widely recognized in the industry.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re aiming to understand the basics through AWS Cloud Practitioner Training or looking to design robust systems via Architecting on AWS, both paths offer excellent opportunities to grow in the cloud ecosystem. Understanding these key differences helps you align your learning journey with your career objectives in the AWS landscape.

About CloudThat

Established in 2012, CloudThat is an award-winning company and the first in India to offer cloud training and consulting services for individuals and enterprises worldwide. Recently, it won Google Cloud’s New Training Partner of the Year Award for 2025, becoming the first company in the world in 2025 to hold awards from all three major cloud giants: AWS, Microsoft, and Google. CloudThat notably won consecutive AWS Training Partner of the Year (APJ) awards in 2023 and 2024 and the Microsoft Training Services Partner of the Year Award in 2024, bringing its total award count to an impressive 12 awards in the last 8 years. In addition to this, 20 trainers from CloudThat are ranked among Microsoft’s Top 100 MCTs globally for 2025, demonstrating its exceptional trainer quality on the global stage.  

As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, AWS Advanced Tier Training Partner, Google Cloud Platform Partner, and collaborator with leading organizations like HPE and Databricks, CloudThat has trained over 850,000 professionals across 600+ cloud certifications, empowering students and professionals worldwide to advance their skills and careers.